1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 25%of 20 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, 25% of the 20 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,750 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Roof leaked & would not fully retract due to deformation of structural roof members (roof pillars). Required replacement of 3 major roof members plus installation of straps (as defined in technical service bulletin). This was a structural failure of the roof design known to Mitsubishi, but no recall or consumer alert was communicated.”
NHTSA complaint #10110684, filed 2005-02, 47,000 miles“Convertible top will not open all the way. Support bracket is bent and will not let top lower completely into housing. There is no complete fix for this. Dealer says, this is a manufacture defect, support brackets are to thin for this type of top.”
NHTSA complaint #10119399, filed 2005-05, 42,500 miles“1997 mitsibishi convertible. Brackets on both sides of convertible top have bent preventing top from opening completely. It happens on all convetibles of this type and has already been identified by manufacturer, however, they won't do anything about it.”
NHTSA complaint #10065841, filed 2004-04, 6 miles“Paint job defects. I have owned several mitsubishis vehicles in my family. All resulting in paint defects on the car. Only one has not, dealership said because there is a defect and that one vehicle not affected was made and painted in japan. Cost of repaint of vehicle is $1500 to $2500 depending on where you go.”
NHTSA complaint #10207753, filed 2007-11Related service bulletins
- 10170852Jan 29, 2013This Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals.
- 10170097Jan 15, 2013This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Body and structure: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
6 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsTires
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology